My Hepatitis C Journey

Back to category

July 28, 2025

*Please note that names in this story have been changed for undisclosed reasons.

On November 18, 2024, I had the privilege of meeting a gentleman named Lawrence in the 2660 Hub lobby. He was from the SCHC Hepatitis C team, and his kindness and charm immediately struck me. At that moment, I decided to take a step forward in my health journey and agreed to get screened for Hepatitis C again. This decision was influenced by my past life experiences and the emotional weight I’ve carried from them. 

During our conversation, I shared with Lawrence the challenges I had been facing in my life, including a series of seizures that had left me feeling debilitated. Lawrence listened attentively, which was not only comforting but also helped me to trust him and the entire SCHC Hepatitis C team. He explained the seriousness of Hepatitis C, describing how the virus causes scarring in the liver known as cirrhosis. This condition, he told me, could eventually lead to liver cancer and even death if left untreated. Despite the gravity of the information, Lawrence was gentle in his delivery, and his empathy made me feel heard and supported. 

What made me feel even more at ease with the SCHC Hep C team was Lawrence’s explanation of the wraparound services available to patients. He mentioned how the social worker at that time offered mental health therapy, which piqued my interest. As we waited for the results of my Hep C test, Lawrence had me complete a demographics survey. This gave me a sense that the team was taking a holistic approach to my care, addressing not just my physical health but also my emotional and mental well-being. 

When I returned for my next appointment, Lawrence was unfortunately unavailable, but I had the pleasure of meeting his colleague, Bobby, from the Hep C team. Bobby was just as kind and helpful as Lawrence. He took the time to speak with me, explain the next steps in my treatment, and even offered to have my friends tested as well. During our meeting, Sonny, the social worker from the Hep C team, happened to walk by, and we were introduced. Meeting Sonny felt like an important moment because I knew that mental health support was a critical part of my healing journey. The kindness of all three team members—Lawrence, Bobby, and Sonny—made me feel that I was in the right hands. 

After my friends received their test results, I found myself feeling disheartened. Some of the results were not what I had hoped for, and as a result, I lost some relationships that were important to me. This caused a great deal of anxiety, and I found myself calling the team, seeking support. Bobby, in particular, remained a calming presence. No matter how anxious I felt, Bobby always responded with patience and the right words to reassure me. His demeanor helped ease my fears and made me feel less alone in the process. 

Throughout this journey, the SCHC team continued to support me in practical ways as well. They accompanied me to doctors’ appointments and ensured that I had access to mental health therapy. I was grateful for the resources available to me, especially the therapy sessions, which gave me the space to process my emotions and regain a sense of control over my life. It was clear to me that the SCHC Hep C team was not just concerned about my physical health—they were genuinely invested in my overall well-being. 

As I continue to navigate my health journey, I remain thankful for the compassionate support I have received from the SCHC Hep C team. Their kindness, empathy, and dedication to my care have given me the strength to move forward with hope. I am now looking forward to the resources and opportunities SCHC has provided to help me re-establish myself in society. This journey has been challenging, but with the right support, I am confident that I can rebuild my life, step by step, and continue on the path to healing. 

To learn more about the Hepatitis C team at SCHC, visit https://schcontario.ca/programs/health-services/hepatitis-c/.